Video Transcript – Family Caregiver Navigator

Video Transcript

[Narrator]: Many people don’t identify as a “caregiver” since it’s just one of the many hats we wear in a busy life. Yet it’s estimated that over 53 million people in the United States care for another person of any age with physical or cognitive disabilities, chronic or mental health conditions. In Idaho, that translates to 1 in 4 people who are caregivers to at least one person in their life. That means that caregiving affects every family in Idaho, in one way or another. In addition to their own employment, hobbies and household duties, caregivers take on all kinds of tasks for their care recipients, including: Shopping and chores, healthcare and medical management, financial support and management. And of course – emotional support. In fact, informal caregivers provide over 200 million hours of unpaid labor to care recipients in Idaho annually worth an estimated 2 billion dollars. But the cost of caregiving is not just dollars and cents. Caregiving for a friend or family member can be a joy – but it’s also a sacrifice – leading to lifestyle changes that may increase stress for the caregiver. Time, money and energy are limited resources, and caregiving can take its toll, sometimes leading to burnout that negatively impacts the caregiver AND the person they’re caring for. Enter Family Caregiver Navigator, a free program developed by the Idaho Caregiver Alliance. Using an evidence-based approach, we partnered with software developer TCare to support caregivers in a whole new way. First, connect with a Navigator who will walk you through an assessment that evaluates your stress factors and overall well-being and capacity as a caregiver. Next your Navigator shares a list of recommendations customized just for you, and together you build a care plan that addresses your personal goals, and connects you with local resources that can assist. Whether it’s respite care, support groups, workshops and trainings, or assistance with financial support policies – our focus is on YOU and your needs as a caregiver. Weekly text surveys will keep your Navigator updated on your progress, and assure you are connecting with needed services. You can reach back out and amend your care plan at any time. Get started today by visiting caregivernavigator.org and taking the brief online screener to see your initial results. A Navigator will then reach out to complete the full assessment. Providers and Professionals have the option to submit a referral through our website so we can reach out to a caregiver who may need support. The health and wellbeing of Idaho’s caregivers matters!

Call 208-426-5899 or visit caregivernavigator.org today for a free assessment and custom care plan – So you can build a sustainable plan for the years to come.